7 Parts of a Car Suspension System (and Their Functions)

(Updated on November 17, 2022)

The suspension system is basically the series of parts which support the vehicle as it moves on the road. These are components which give your vehicle the ability to make turns as you rotate the steering wheel and to absorb shocks when you drive over bumps or potholes.

In modern-day vehicles, there are literally hundreds of parts which made up the suspension system and they all work together to allow for a safe and comfortable ride. But here, we’ll go over the most important car suspension parts and their functions.

If one of these components were to malfunction, then it would cause problems for the drive-ability, comfort, and safety of your vehicle.

Related: 11 Parts of a Brake System

Suspension System Components

1) Springs

Coil springs are the components of a suspension system which absorb the impact when you drive over bumps or holes in the road. In some model vehicles, they use metal rods instead of springs to do this.

But in most vehicles, there are springs which bend upon impact. That way, the driver and passengers do not feel as much of the impact as they sit in the cabin.

2) Wheels/Tires

The wheels and tires are the outside components of the suspension system. The tires, in particular, are very important because they are the only parts which touch the ground as the vehicle moves.

Every time you drive over a bump or pothole, the tires incur most of the impact. Plus, your braking, corning, and accelerating actions have a big impact on your tires too. If your tires were to leak are or not have adequate tread, it would interfere with the smoothness of your driving.

Related:  Best Tire Brands for Every Season

3) Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers work alongside your springs to reduce the impact of bumps and potholes. Even though the springs technically absorb the impact, it is the shock absorbers which support the springs by reducing their motion.

That way, the vehicle is not bouncing up and down like crazy after you drive over a bump. Shock absorbers contain thick oil inside of them. If it were to leak out, it could cause problems with other areas of the suspension system.

4) Rods/Linkages

There are several rods which link different components of the suspension system together. These are metal linkages which are highly durable and should last for the duration of the vehicle’s lifespan.

The only real time a rod might fail is if you get into an accident and it suffers damage as a result.

See Also: Bad Tie Rod End Symptoms

5) Joints/Bearings/Bushings

These components are what keep the linkages connected to the bigger components. Not only that, but parts like bearings and bushings enable sliding and twisting actions to be made by certain components too. Lubrication is not often needed either.

However, the suspension bushings can wear out quickly if they’re made of rubber. The joints may also get too loose over time as well. That is why if you ever have a problem in your suspension system, it is probably one of the smaller joints, bearings, or bushings causing it.

6) Steering System

The steering system may not be a direct component of the suspension system, but the two do work together to make the wheels turn. The linkages, tie rods, joints, wheels, and other components are all controlled by the steering system to some degree.

When you go to turn the steering wheel, it causes the wheels below your vehicle to turn in sync with the rotational movements.

7) Frame

The frame is perhaps the biggest component of the suspension system. It is basically the structural skeleton which carries the weight and load of the entire vehicle, including its components.

Although it helps support the body and engine of the vehicle, there are other components of the suspension system which contribute to this too.